Quality of Life in School-Aged Youth Referred to an Autism Specialty Clinic: A Latent Profile Analysis.

We examined whether different profiles of quality of life (QoL) existed among youth referred to an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) specialty clinic and, if present, determined if these groups were associated with different characteristics. Data were from parental report of 5-17 year-old youth (N = 476) who were scheduled to receive an evaluation at an ASD clinic. Parents completed questionnaires, including the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, assessing child and family functioning; providers reported diagnostic impressions.

Working with families living with autism: potential contributions of marriage and family therapists.

This article introduces marriage and family therapists (MFT) to some of the common issues faced by families that have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). First, autism is defined and common myths surrounding it are discussed. Next, relational challenges are presented that families report experiencing during early childhood through the elementary school years, adolescence and the transition into adulthood, and the later years of the family life cycle.